After a restful holiday weekend, it may be difficult to get back into the swing of your normal routine. But just remember, things could always be worse—you could be a playoff hopeful in next season’s Western Conference.

Today’s Lineup

A New King!

Arguably the last major domino of this summer’s free agency pool fell over the weekend, when DeKings snatched up six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade with the Bulls and Spurs. It had long been rumored that DeRozan was headed out of Chi-Town, and now he gets the opportunity to return to his home state of California and help the BeamTeam continue their recent resurgence. Here are the full details of the trade, which also includes a new 3-year, $74M contract for DeMar:

Kings receive: DeMar DeRozan

Spurs receive: Harrison Barnes, 2031 pick swap from SAC

Bulls receive: Chris Duarte, two second-round picks, cash considerations

For SacTown, this swap is just the cost of staying competitive in the Conference of Death (i.e. the West). With DeAaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk, the Kings have plenty of players that can flat out produce, and adding DeMar to that arsenal gives them the potential for a deep playoff run if the balls bounce right.

A rebuild has long been signaled in Chicago, where the Bulls are now looking to dismantle the team they assembled with a flurry of moves in 2021. After dealing DeRozan, a Nikola Vucevic trade could be on the horizon as could a decision regarding Zach Lavine. For San Antonio, nabbing Barnes adds another much-needed veteran presence to a locker room full of young talent. A sensical swap for all teams involved!

Wrapping up Free Agency

One week removed from the dawn of the signing period, most of this summer’s free agency dust has settled… but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still deals to talk about!

• Caleb Martin to the 76ers — 4-year, $32M

• Malik Beasley to the Pistons — 1-year, $6M

• Dario Saric to the Nuggets — 2-year, $10.6M

Fun in the Sun

While regular NBA action is on hold for the time being, two summer-specific competitions give us the chance to see our favorite hoopers in the offseason: Summer League and the Olympics! Let’s break down some of the major storylines.

Summer League Summary

Bronny debuts, Arms stars

Bronny James made his highly-anticipated debut in the Summer League’s kickoff California Classic event, scoring 4 PTS in his first game in the Purple and Gold (including a layup that earned his Dad’s praise). But it was Sacramento’s Adonis Arms who stole the show, pouring in 32 PTS and 11 REB to lead the Kings to a win.

BeWare… of Ware!

Miami’s summer got off to a hot start with a victory in which four of their young guns scored in double-digits. The biggest factor was Kel’el Ware, who showed he was worth the No. 16 overall pick with 26 PTS and 11 REB. Miami may just have another steal on their hands…

Olympic Overview

Giannis the Countryman

Greece may be the founding nation of the Olympics, but before yesterday the country hadn’t qualified for Olympic men’s basketball since 2008. But nowadays, the Greeks have someone special on their side… the Freak!

Giannis Antetokounmpo led his country to an Olympic berth with 23 points in their clinching win over Croatia in the qualifying tournament. It was an emotional moment for Giannis, who implied he can’t wait for the real games to begin: “I have never cheat the game.. See you in Paris…”

Red, White, Blue… and Gold?

Calling Team USA the basketball equivalent of the Avengers may be slightly disrespectful… to Team USA. It’s no secret that America is the world’s most prominent hoops nation, but it still boggles our mind to see a squad this good come together.

This year’s Olympic training camp tipped off over the weekend, and seeing our favorite stars in the national team threads has us on the edge of our seat. Can the U.S. bring home gold for the fifth straight Games?

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, try to give 100% to a certain aspect of your life. Whether it’s work, rest, or quality time with the people you love, make an effort to go all-in. It’s amazing the difference undivided attention can make. Talk soon!

-Walker Carnathan

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